After running 2 races this weekend I let myself sleep in until I had to get up to get ready to start the day. Sleeping in for my is 5:30-6:00. I decided to run after I took James to school. I'm glad it did it then. There wasn't a lot of traffic. There really wasn't a lot of people out. It was still cool and River got to run with me.
We did about 2.5 miles at a nice easy pace. We took a couple of paths through the woods and behind one of the schools. She likes those paths a lot. She was having a good time until another dog barked at her. It wasn't a friendly bark either. She gets so upset when dogs don't like her. Poor girl was so sad the rest of the run.
The rest of my day has been working at the computer so I'm glad I got my run in when I did. I may do the same thing tomorrow. I don't know if I will be able to take River or not. It depends on the weather.
Starting tomorrow I'm going to take at least one picture on my training runs until I run my half marathon. I want to see the change in leaves and nature over the next month. It should be fun.
Today I signed us all up for a Halloween run. James was very interested in it so we will all be running the 5k together. It looks like a lot of fun and it will be a nice easy race for me after my half. I won't run fast and I'll just have fun with it. It will also be a great way to get back into my training after taking a few days off.
I'm getting really excited!!! Only 27days left!!!!!!!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Days 83 and 84: My Annual Fall Race Weekend
This weekend was my annual fall race weekend. I ran the Oasis Toronto Zoo 10k and the Island Girl 5k. I love this weekend and it's always a good time.
Saturday Mike and I got up early and drove to the Toronto Zoo for one of my favorite races of the year. It was not a nice day at all. It was pouring rain and it really never stopped raining. However, during the 10k it wasn't coming down hard, but I know the 5k race got soaked.
I love running through the zoo with all the animals just waking up and right there watching us run. The wolves were so cool sitting up on top of their hill watching all the runners go by. I know they were looking for the weak one so I picked up my pace.
The route is always a hilly one, but I had a few goals in mind. I wanted to run the entire 10k without walking at all. I wanted to hold my half marathon pace as well. I didn't walk at all! I was so happy about that. I was a little fast for my half marathon pace, but the half marathon isn't as hilly so it may be right on pace. I was right on my best 10k time. Not bad for the rain and the hills.
Here I am before the race.
We were going to stay at the zoo, but the weather was so crummy that we just went home. Mike waited for me in car and I texted him when I crossed the finish line. He met me at the exit with an umbrella.
It was a great day and a great race!
This morning we had to get up early again and head back to Toronto for the Island Girl 5k. This race is on Centre Island and is a nice flat course with the exception of the bridge at the start and end of the race. I felt great on this run! I ran a best 5k time and bested my time from last year's race by 5 minutes. I felt strong and relaxed the whole race. It was cooler today, but there was no rain. It really was a beautiful day to race.
Here are a few pictures from the race.
As of today there is only 28 days until my half marathon. In 4 weeks I'll have completed my first every half marathon race. I'm really starting to feel like I can do this.
Saturday Mike and I got up early and drove to the Toronto Zoo for one of my favorite races of the year. It was not a nice day at all. It was pouring rain and it really never stopped raining. However, during the 10k it wasn't coming down hard, but I know the 5k race got soaked.
I love running through the zoo with all the animals just waking up and right there watching us run. The wolves were so cool sitting up on top of their hill watching all the runners go by. I know they were looking for the weak one so I picked up my pace.
The route is always a hilly one, but I had a few goals in mind. I wanted to run the entire 10k without walking at all. I wanted to hold my half marathon pace as well. I didn't walk at all! I was so happy about that. I was a little fast for my half marathon pace, but the half marathon isn't as hilly so it may be right on pace. I was right on my best 10k time. Not bad for the rain and the hills.
Here I am before the race.
We were going to stay at the zoo, but the weather was so crummy that we just went home. Mike waited for me in car and I texted him when I crossed the finish line. He met me at the exit with an umbrella.
It was a great day and a great race!
This morning we had to get up early again and head back to Toronto for the Island Girl 5k. This race is on Centre Island and is a nice flat course with the exception of the bridge at the start and end of the race. I felt great on this run! I ran a best 5k time and bested my time from last year's race by 5 minutes. I felt strong and relaxed the whole race. It was cooler today, but there was no rain. It really was a beautiful day to race.
Here are a few pictures from the race.
As of today there is only 28 days until my half marathon. In 4 weeks I'll have completed my first every half marathon race. I'm really starting to feel like I can do this.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Days 76-78: Kind of a mixed bag weekend
I think I finally have a handle on this new school schedule. At least I hope I do. The past 2 weeks my training has been crap.
This weekend was pretty good though. Saturday, James ran his first obstacle race. He ran the Badass Dash. He had a great time! It was a nice race for kids. Mike and I couldn't run the adult race for several reasons. For me it was too close to the half marathon. For Mike, the only times open were early in the morning and I had swim practice. He couldn't leave James alone while he ran. Maybe next year.
Anyway, James had a good time and loved the obstacle race! He said his favorite obstacle was the Water Web. He got soaked, but he loved it! He also love that he had to climb over a bus. Here are a few pictures from the race.
Sunday, I got up and did the Terry Fox Run with the swim team. My groups had to run a 5k and the older kids had to do 10k. I did 20k because I had to get my long run in sometime. It was a beautiful day to run and it was a loop course. I did 8 loops. I thought I would get bored with that, but I really didn't. It was a pretty course and it kind of made it feel faster. I may try to do that with my next long run here.
The run itself felt really good. I did break down and get new shoes and that has made a huge difference. I had no pain at all in my Achilles or hamstring. I ran an hour and a half before I did my 5 minute walk to get my honey stingers and Gatorade. Then I did a 2 minute walk at the 2:15 mark. This run really made me feel like I can do this half marathon. I should be under my goal time, but we'll see.
This morning I got up and did a 2 mile recovery run with River. It is so nice to run in cool weather. I love running in the fall and in the spring because the weather is so awesome!
Tomorrow I'm supposed to do a tempo run that is in total 7 miles with warm-up/cool down and the tempo part. I think I'll take River with me as there will be times for breaks and her to get water. I'm feeling really good about this race. Only 34 more days!
This weekend was pretty good though. Saturday, James ran his first obstacle race. He ran the Badass Dash. He had a great time! It was a nice race for kids. Mike and I couldn't run the adult race for several reasons. For me it was too close to the half marathon. For Mike, the only times open were early in the morning and I had swim practice. He couldn't leave James alone while he ran. Maybe next year.
Anyway, James had a good time and loved the obstacle race! He said his favorite obstacle was the Water Web. He got soaked, but he loved it! He also love that he had to climb over a bus. Here are a few pictures from the race.
Sunday, I got up and did the Terry Fox Run with the swim team. My groups had to run a 5k and the older kids had to do 10k. I did 20k because I had to get my long run in sometime. It was a beautiful day to run and it was a loop course. I did 8 loops. I thought I would get bored with that, but I really didn't. It was a pretty course and it kind of made it feel faster. I may try to do that with my next long run here.
The run itself felt really good. I did break down and get new shoes and that has made a huge difference. I had no pain at all in my Achilles or hamstring. I ran an hour and a half before I did my 5 minute walk to get my honey stingers and Gatorade. Then I did a 2 minute walk at the 2:15 mark. This run really made me feel like I can do this half marathon. I should be under my goal time, but we'll see.
This morning I got up and did a 2 mile recovery run with River. It is so nice to run in cool weather. I love running in the fall and in the spring because the weather is so awesome!
Tomorrow I'm supposed to do a tempo run that is in total 7 miles with warm-up/cool down and the tempo part. I think I'll take River with me as there will be times for breaks and her to get water. I'm feeling really good about this race. Only 34 more days!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Days 69-71: Kind of a mix bag
This weekend had some ups and down with my running. Last week I was hit and miss with my training because we were getting used to the new schedule with school starting. I think I have it under control now so hopefully that's all settled.
Saturday I ran two races. In the morning, Mike and I drove to Niagara Falls for the Run or Dye race. This is a color run and we had fun doing it. I know Mike was really tired, but he was a good sport about it. We had lots of dye packs that we were throwing in the starting chute. On the course, every kilometer they threw a different color on you. We had a good time and I'm looking for one to do with James next spring or summer.
Here are a few pictures from the run.
After the race we drove home in pouring rain. Luckily is started after we were on our way home. I ate some lunch and took a nap because I still had another race to run that night.
Saturday night we drove to Toronto for the Night Race. I really enjoyed this race. It was a nice flat course and they had great pre- and post-race activities. It was fun to run in the dark too.
Here are a few pictures from that race.
Yesterday, I had a long run scheduled. I started out and got about 5k into it and I had some pain in my hamstring. I went a little further and had to turn back. I just couldn't do it. I ended up doing just under 10k. The pain was because I didn't use my foam roller Saturday after my races. It was my own fault.
This morning a ran a 5k with River. It felt really good. I had some tightness, but not pain. I'm going to use the foam roller a few times today and hopefully tomorrow I'll be good as new.
I'm having a good start to a busy week, but I'm ready to go!
Saturday I ran two races. In the morning, Mike and I drove to Niagara Falls for the Run or Dye race. This is a color run and we had fun doing it. I know Mike was really tired, but he was a good sport about it. We had lots of dye packs that we were throwing in the starting chute. On the course, every kilometer they threw a different color on you. We had a good time and I'm looking for one to do with James next spring or summer.
Here are a few pictures from the run.
After the race we drove home in pouring rain. Luckily is started after we were on our way home. I ate some lunch and took a nap because I still had another race to run that night.
Saturday night we drove to Toronto for the Night Race. I really enjoyed this race. It was a nice flat course and they had great pre- and post-race activities. It was fun to run in the dark too.
Here are a few pictures from that race.
Yesterday, I had a long run scheduled. I started out and got about 5k into it and I had some pain in my hamstring. I went a little further and had to turn back. I just couldn't do it. I ended up doing just under 10k. The pain was because I didn't use my foam roller Saturday after my races. It was my own fault.
This morning a ran a 5k with River. It felt really good. I had some tightness, but not pain. I'm going to use the foam roller a few times today and hopefully tomorrow I'll be good as new.
I'm having a good start to a busy week, but I'm ready to go!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Day 60: Long Run
This morning I got up and got ready for my long run. 10 miles was on the schedule. This was run was taking place after over a week of not really running for various reasons. I was nervous about this run. I wasn't sure how it was going to go.
The first 2 miles were just getting into a rhythm. It didn't hurt, but it was just getting my muscles relaxed and into the running groove. There are some pretty big hills at the start of this route so that didn't help. But to be honest, the only hill that really hurt was the second one on the route. It was the biggest and just seemed to go on forever. I got up it and then the run started to feel really good.
This route is through the city and into Waterloo so there are a lot of stop lights along the way. I hit about 50% of them red and had to wait. Towards the end of the run it hurt to get started again. At the hour mark, which was about 5 miles in, I had to walk to eat some Honey Stingers and drink some Gatorade. I only walked for 3 minutes though.
The run had it moments. There are some nice residential areas and some built up city areas. I had to run through construction and almost got run over by someone on a bike. They were riding on the sidewalk not paying attention.
At the 2 hour mark, I had to walk again. I had eaten the rest of my Honey Stingers at a stop light so I just needed to get some Gatorade in me. It was only about a 2 minute walk. Then I ran the last mile and half home.
When I got home and mapped out my route, it was actually 10.75 miles. It really wasn't a bad run. I kind of enjoy these long runs.
After the run I had to walk River. She seemed to know that I was tired and didn't try to chase things like she normally does. I really appreciated that.
Tomorrow I'll do a recovery run to shake out all the stiffness. Only 52 more days until the race. I'm starting feel like I can do this. I hope that feeling lasts!
The first 2 miles were just getting into a rhythm. It didn't hurt, but it was just getting my muscles relaxed and into the running groove. There are some pretty big hills at the start of this route so that didn't help. But to be honest, the only hill that really hurt was the second one on the route. It was the biggest and just seemed to go on forever. I got up it and then the run started to feel really good.
This route is through the city and into Waterloo so there are a lot of stop lights along the way. I hit about 50% of them red and had to wait. Towards the end of the run it hurt to get started again. At the hour mark, which was about 5 miles in, I had to walk to eat some Honey Stingers and drink some Gatorade. I only walked for 3 minutes though.
The run had it moments. There are some nice residential areas and some built up city areas. I had to run through construction and almost got run over by someone on a bike. They were riding on the sidewalk not paying attention.
At the 2 hour mark, I had to walk again. I had eaten the rest of my Honey Stingers at a stop light so I just needed to get some Gatorade in me. It was only about a 2 minute walk. Then I ran the last mile and half home.
When I got home and mapped out my route, it was actually 10.75 miles. It really wasn't a bad run. I kind of enjoy these long runs.
After the run I had to walk River. She seemed to know that I was tired and didn't try to chase things like she normally does. I really appreciated that.
Tomorrow I'll do a recovery run to shake out all the stiffness. Only 52 more days until the race. I'm starting feel like I can do this. I hope that feeling lasts!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Day 50: Ack!!!!!! Starting To Get REALLY Nervous!
Only 62 days left until I run my first half marathon. I'm starting to get really nervous. I know I'm getting stronger and fitter, but I'm still starting to really get scared. My long runs are getting longer. My short runs are getting longer. My recovery runs are getting easier. I just hope mentally I'm there on race day.
Today was a recovery run after the race we ran yesterday. River ran with me. Today is probably the only day she will be able to run with me because it's supposed to get warmer in the mornings this week. She enjoyed her run. She loves being out and just being able to go. We took a path that she just loves to take. It's a gravel trail that goes behind 2 schools. It runs through some open fields so she's always looking for rabbits when we take that way. There weren't any today though.
The run felt nice and easy. I haven't had a nice feeling training run in awhile so this was a good change. I was nice and relaxed and just did a nice easy speed run.
Tomorrow I'm supposed to do a 10k run. It's going to be a bit warmer than what it has been this summer. I think I have been spoiled by the cooler mornings. I won't take River with me so when I get home I will have to take her for a walk. If by some chance it is cool tomorrow morning, I will take her with me.
Today James and I have a busy day of preparing for Fax Expo on Thursday. We are both so excited! I will be getting up early to get my runs in before heading to the Expo each day. I should be exhausted by Sunday night. Off to get ready for the day!
Today was a recovery run after the race we ran yesterday. River ran with me. Today is probably the only day she will be able to run with me because it's supposed to get warmer in the mornings this week. She enjoyed her run. She loves being out and just being able to go. We took a path that she just loves to take. It's a gravel trail that goes behind 2 schools. It runs through some open fields so she's always looking for rabbits when we take that way. There weren't any today though.
The run felt nice and easy. I haven't had a nice feeling training run in awhile so this was a good change. I was nice and relaxed and just did a nice easy speed run.
Tomorrow I'm supposed to do a 10k run. It's going to be a bit warmer than what it has been this summer. I think I have been spoiled by the cooler mornings. I won't take River with me so when I get home I will have to take her for a walk. If by some chance it is cool tomorrow morning, I will take her with me.
Today James and I have a busy day of preparing for Fax Expo on Thursday. We are both so excited! I will be getting up early to get my runs in before heading to the Expo each day. I should be exhausted by Sunday night. Off to get ready for the day!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Day 49: Stryker Dundas Cactus 5k Race
Today we all ran a 5k race. Mike ran with James so I could see where I was with my time since I have upped my training. It was a great race!
The race was at a park in Dundas. It was a nice little park and while this morning was warmer than it has been, it was still a nice morning to run. Here are a few pictures of us before the run.
The 10k started off the morning. Some of those runners were speedy. They were finishing their first loop as we were starting our race. The course was mostly flat. I was happy about that. I know I've been training hills, but I still like a flat course. There was one hill towards the end of the race, but it wasn't so bad.
I ran a best time of 31:59. I was really happy with that time. It's a best time by about 30 seconds. I thought that it would take James and Mike around 43 minutes, but I was wrong. I crossed the finish line, got some water, looked up and they were coming into the park. They crossed the finish line in 38:15. It was a best time for James by at least 5 minutes.
James was so excited about his time and the fact that he ran almost the whole race. He asked if he could get a massage and while we were waiting in line, I went to go check the official times. I looked at his time and saw that he got 3rd in his age group. Here he is after I told him.
He was so proud of himself as were we. He got his massage and then we had to get some after race pictures.
VRPro always puts on great races and this one was no exception. Looking forward to running my next race that they sponsor.
The race was at a park in Dundas. It was a nice little park and while this morning was warmer than it has been, it was still a nice morning to run. Here are a few pictures of us before the run.
The 10k started off the morning. Some of those runners were speedy. They were finishing their first loop as we were starting our race. The course was mostly flat. I was happy about that. I know I've been training hills, but I still like a flat course. There was one hill towards the end of the race, but it wasn't so bad.
I ran a best time of 31:59. I was really happy with that time. It's a best time by about 30 seconds. I thought that it would take James and Mike around 43 minutes, but I was wrong. I crossed the finish line, got some water, looked up and they were coming into the park. They crossed the finish line in 38:15. It was a best time for James by at least 5 minutes.
James was so excited about his time and the fact that he ran almost the whole race. He asked if he could get a massage and while we were waiting in line, I went to go check the official times. I looked at his time and saw that he got 3rd in his age group. Here he is after I told him.
He was so proud of himself as were we. He got his massage and then we had to get some after race pictures.
VRPro always puts on great races and this one was no exception. Looking forward to running my next race that they sponsor.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)